THE JEWS OF SOUTH cf ROLIXA FEOM THE 

EAELIEST SETTLEMfiXT TO THE END 

OF THE A:\rElHrAN REVOLT'TrOX 



LEON HUHNER, A. M., LL. B. 
Islew York City. 



Reprinted from The Publicatioxs of the AAtEBiCAX Jewish 
Historical Society, No. 12. 



THE FRIEDEXWAT.D COMPANY 
BALTIMORE, MP., n. 9. A. 



Gift 
Author 

(Person) 



THE JEWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FROM THE 

EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE END 

OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.* 

By Leon Huhnbr, A.M., LL.B., New York City. 

The immense stretch of land known as South Carolina had 
been donated by the English Crown in 1663 to a number of 
noblemen, the ablest of whom was Lord Ashley Cooper after- 
ward the famous Earl of Shaftesbury. These men were 
given absohitely sovereign powers. No authority was retained 
by the Crown but a barren allegiance. The country was ut 
the time comparatively devoid of population and the first 
orders given by the proprietors to their agent. Sir William 
Berkeley were " to get settlers as cheaply as possible, yet at 
any rate to get settlers." ' 

It was doubtless with this in view, that the Lords pro- 
prietaries from the start made the most liberal provisions for 
religious liberty in their domain. On August 25, 1665, they 
issued " A Declaration and Proposealls to all y* will plant in 
Carrolina." Article 5 of these proposals is as follows : " We 
will grante in as ample man"" as ye Undertakers shall desire 
freedomes and libertye of contience in all religious or 
spirrituall things and to be kept inviolably wth them, we 
haveing power in or Charter soe to doe." ^ 

* This paper was read before the Society in 1899. 

* George Bancroft, " History of the United States," N. Y., 1886, 
Vol. I, pp. 408-9. 

' Vol. 2 of South Carolina Papers in Bancroft Collection of 
MSS. at the Lenox Library, New York [State Paper Off. No. Caro- 
lina B. J.] p. 1. The veriter was permitted to peruse this valu- 
able MSS. collection through the courtesy of Mr. Eames, the 
Librarian. 



40 American Jewish Historical Society. 

About 1665, Sir John Yeamans was appointed Governor. 
This gentleman had resided at Barbados for many years and 
in the autumn of 1665, he conducted a band of emigrants 
from there to the new plantation. Trade with Barbados 
began to flourish and by 1666, the plantation contained 800 
souls.' In 1671, additional settlers were brought over by 
Yeamans and shortly afterward arrivals from Bermuda and 
the West Indies are mentioned. 

It is more than likely that Governor Yeamans brought a 
number of Jews with him on both occasions, though historians 
have heretofore fixed the date of the arrival of Jews in Caro- 
lina between 1740 and 1750, i, e., almost a century later.* 
The trade advantages ofEered by the new plantation would in 
themselves have been a sufficient attraction, nor must it be 
forgotten that Barbados at this time contained a large num- 
ber of Jewish merchants, a fact which is conclusively estab- 
lished. 

Thus in 1660 at the Eestoration of King Charles II., a 
movement was started in England to expel the Jews who had 
been admitted by Cromwell. Numerous pamphlets were cir- 
culated by the advocates of bigotry and one by Thomas Violet 
who had been a customs official under Charles L, is entitled 
"A Petition against the Jews presented to the King's Ma- 
jestie and the Parliament." Among other reasons against 
allowing Jews in the realm, Violet gives the following: 
" That it would be to the great damage of our merchants 
whose trade they engross and eat the childrens' bread and in 
the Barbados they do so swarm that had no care been taken 
to banish them, in twenty years they would eat out the Eng- 
lish, but by the care of this blessed Parliament, they are 
within a year to be banished thence." ° 

" Bancroft's " History of the United States," Vol. I, pp. 411-12. 

* Charles P. Daly, " Settlement of the Jews in North America," 
N. Y., 1893, pp. 70, 75. Isaac Markens, " The Hebrews in Amer- 
ica," New York, 1888, p. 53. Also, Occident, Vol. I, pp. 337, etc. 

"This rare publication may be found at the Astor Library, 
New York. 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 41 

The threatened expulsion, however, did not take place, for 
Oldmixon's History of Barbados published in 1708 mentions 
the Jews as a numerous class." It appears therefore that 
they existed in considerable numbers, and the agitation above 
referred to may well have induced many of them to follow 
Yeamans to South Carolina, especially as they knew Yea- 
mans, he having lived among them. 

An important document in Carolina history also lends sup- 
port to this theory. Shortly after the arrival of the settlers 
from Barbados, Shaftesbury in England applied to John 
Locke, the celebrated philosopher, to draw up a Constitution 
or plan of Government for the Province.^ Locke's Consti- 
tution was drawn up accordingly and signed in 1669. The 
country was ridiculously divided up into signories, baronies 
and manors ; high sounding titles were created and a compli- 
cated system of aristocratic government devised. The only 
features of the Constitution that interest us however, are the 
broad provisions for religious liberty therein contained. 

In considering these, we must bear in mind that Locke may 
have been informed of the presence of Jews in the province 
or at least of the likelihood of their coming there from the 
West Indies, especially as the proprietors were anxious to 
procure settlers. He had also witnessed the agitation against 
the Jews in England. Be that as it may, Locke certainly 
anticipated that Jews would be among the earliest settlers 
and therefore especially provided for them in his system of 
Government. 

Article 97 of his Constitution reads as follows: "But 
since the natives of that place who will be concerned in our 
plantation are utterly strangers to Christianity, whose idolatry, 
ignorance and mistake gives us no right to expel or use them 
ill and those who remove from other parts to plant there will 
unavoidably be of different opinion concerning matters of 

" J, Oldmixon, " History of Barbados," 1708, p. 113. 

' Bancroft's " History of the United States," Vol. I, pp. 415-16. 



43 American Jewish Historical Society. 

religion, the liberty of which they will expect to have allowed 
them — and also that Jews, heathens and other dissenters from 
the purity of Christian religion may not be feared and kept 
at a distance from it — therefore any seven or more persons 
agreeing in any religion shall constitute a Church or profes- 
sion to which they shall give some name to distinguish it from 
others."* 

Then follow provisions requiring all over seventeen to be- 
long to some religion, and prohibitions against disturbing any 
kind of religious assembly or using reproachful or abusive 
language against any religion or molesting or persecuting 
another for his opinion in religion or his way of worship." 
The liberality of these provisions must have afforded the 
Jews an additional inducement to settle in Carolina, and it is 
certain that they did settle there long before 1740. 

In a curious little volume which the writer found at the 
Lenox Library entitled " A Peep into the Past by an Ancient 
Lady of Charleston," it is stated that the name of Mordecai 
Nathan is mentioned in an Assessment of the Inhabitants of 
Charleston as early as 1694." This is within a generation 
after the settlement of the town. 

In 1695 reference is made to a Jew at Charleston in the 
report of Governor Archdale. After reciting how in that 
year some Yammasee Indians met some Spanish Indians and 
captured them " designing to sell them for slaves to Barba- 
does or Jamaica as was usual," he continues, " But I, under- 
standing thereof sent for their King, and ordered him to bring 
these Indians with him to Charles-Town which accordingly he 
did. There were three men and one woman; they could 

* " The First Set of the Fundamental Constitutions of South 
Carolina as compiled by Mr. John Locke," reprinted in B. E. 
Carroll's " Historical Collections of South Carolina," N. Y., 1836, 
Vol. II, pp. 385, etc. See also Bancroft's "History of the United 
States," Vol. I, p. 417. 

"Ibid., Articles CI to CVI. 

^° " A Peep into the Past by an Ancient Lady of Charleston," 
Charleston, 1853, p. 26. 



The Jews of South Carolina — HiXhner. 43 

speak Spanish and / had a Jew for an interpreter, so upon 
examination, I found they profess'd the Christian religion 
as the Papists do; upon which I thought in a most peculiar 
manner, they ought to be freed from slavery; and thereupon 
ordered the King to carry them to Augustine."" 

In 1702-3, Jews appear in numbers. At that time it was 
charged that illegal practices had been resorted to at the 
election. 

From Oldmixon's account of this event, it seems that in 
spite of Locke's Constitution, Jews were nevertheless con- 
sidered ineligible to vote, for he quotes from a " Eepresenta- 
tion " that " Jews, strangers, sailors, servants, negroes and 
almost every Frenchman in Craven and Berkeley Counties 
came down to elect and their votes were taken, and the per- 
sons by them voted for were returned by the Sheriffs." " 

In 1735 the advertisements of Carvallo and Gutterez ap- 
pear in the South Carolina Gazette.^^ 

In 1740-1 the Jewish population received a large accession 
from Georgia. The illiberal policy pursued in the latter Col- 
ony, induced all the original settlers with very few exceptions 
to remove to South Carolina." 

" John Archdale, " A New DescripFioii of that Fertile and Pleas- 
ant Province of Carolina with a Brief Account of its Discovery 
and Settlement," London, 1707. Reprinted in B. R. Carroll's 
"Historical Collections of South Carolina," N. Y., 1836, Vol. II, 
p. 106. 

" J. Oldmixon, " The History of Carolina," London, 1708. Re- 
printed in B. R. Carroll's " Historical Collections of South Caro- 
lina," Vol. II, p. 429. See also McCrady, " South Carolina under 
the Proprietary Government," p. 391. 

" South Carolina Gazette, No. 64, April 12-19. 

I am indebted for this item to Mrs. Lee C. Harby, of Charleston, 
who kindly sent it to me some years ago, though after this paper 
had been read. 

^* See " The Jews of Georgia in Colonial Times," by the present 
writer (American Jewish Historical Publications, No. 10, p. 65, 
et seq.), where all the authorities on this subject are collected. 



44 



Ainerican Jewish Historical Society. 



Joseph Tobias appears in 1741 as a Jew naturalized under 

the Act of 1740." 

In 1750, the first synagogue was established at Charles- 
ton. It was a small wooden building on Union Street," 
Isaac Da Costa was Minister, Joseph Tobias, President and 
among the residents at the time were Moses Cohen, Abraham 
Da Costa, Meshod Tobias, Moses Pimenta, David de Olivera, 
Mordecai Sheftall, Michael Lazarus and Abraham N'unes 
Cardozo." They also established a Hebrew Benevolent 
Society which still exists.'' In 1757 the Congregation re- 
moved to King Street, and in 17G4 to another portion of the 
same street. From 1765-90, Abraham Alexander was 
Minister and Israel Joseph, President. Michael Lazarus was 
Secretary between 1750-80." 

The most prominent Jew during the colonial period was 
unquestionably Moses Lindo who became interested in the 
indigo industry of the colony and came from London to South 
Carolina in November, 1756.""* He at once announced his in- 
tention of purchasing indigo for the foreign market and his 
advertisements appear frequently in the South Carolina Ga- 
zette for 1756.'' 

Lindo soon became a prominent merchant, and was subse- 

" Dr. J. H. Hollander, " Naturalization under the Act of 1740," 
American Jewish Historical Society Publications, No. 5, p. 116. ' 

" Nathaniel Levin, " The Congregation Beth Elohim," Charles- 
ton Year Book, 1883. " The Centennial of Incorporation," Charles- 
ton Year Book, 1883, p. 388. J. L. E. W. Shecut, " Topographical, 
Historical and other Sketches of Charleston," Charleston, 1819,' 
pp. 28-30. Isaac Markens, " The Hebrews in America," p. 53. 

" Nathaniel Levin. " The Congregation Beth Elohim," Charles- 
ton Year Book, 1883, p. 301. 

^UUd., p. 302. 

" Ihid. 

■' Hon. N. Taylor Phillips, " History of David Mendez Machado," 
American Jewish Historical Society Publications, No. 2, p. 52 

" November 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16, 1756. See p. 43, note 13 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 45 

quently appointed Surveyor and Inspector General of Indico, 
Drugs and Dyes for the Province,^ 

Jonas Phillips, subsequently the New York Eevolutionary 
patriot, was brought over by Lindo in 1756 and for a time 
resided with him in Charleston." 

Lindo seems also to have been a man of scientific attain- 
ments and his experiments with American dyes commenced 
as early as 1757. In that connection he stood in correspon- 
dence with Emanuel Mendez da Costa, the Librarian of the 
Eoyal Society of London and one of the foremost naturalists 
of his day."* 

During the entire colonial period, the Jews lived on terms 
of intimate friendship with their fellow citizens. William 
Gerard de Brahm writing to the King of England about 1773 
mentions the Jews and their Synagogue with other denomi- 
nations and concludes : " All which are composed of several 
nations, altho' differing in religious principels and in the 
knowledge of salvation, yet are far from being incouraged, 
or even inclining to that disorder which is so comon among 

^ Hon. N. Taylor Phillips in American Jewish Historical Society 
Publications, No. 2, p. 52. From an item in the South Carolina 
Gazette, March 15, 1773, it appears that Lindo had purchased a 
stone which he believed to be a topaz of immense size. This he 
sent to London by the Rt. Hon. Lord Charles Greville Montague 
to be presented to the Queen of England. See Note A, p. 43. 

" Hon. N. Taylor Phillips in American Jewish Historical Society 
Publications, No. 2, p. 52. Lindo's certificate containing this in- 
formation is dated July, 1773, and was accompanied by a letter 
from Joshua Hart, another Jew of Charleston. Ibid., p. 55. 

^* Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of Lon- 
don, Vol. LHI, p. 238. Paper 37, "An account of a New Die 
from the Berries of a Weed in South Carolina." In a Letter 
from Mr. Moses Lindo, dated at Charleston, Sept. 2, 1763, to 
Mr. Emanuel Mendez da Costa, Librarian of the Eoyal Society. 
See also Dr. Moritz Kayserling: " Zur Geschichte der Judischen 
Aerzte," in Frankl-Graetz Monatsschrift, Leipzig, 1859, Vol. 
Vin, p. 165, to which Mr. George Kohut has also called attention. 



46 American Jewish Historical Society. 

men of contrary religious sentiments. ... A society of men 
which in religion, government and negotiation avoids what- 
ever can disturbe peace and quietness will always grow and 
prosper; so will this City and province whose inhabitants was 
from its beginning renowned for tenderness towards each 
other and more so towards foreigners without regard or re- 
spect of nation or religion." ^' 

At the outbreak of the Eevolution, South Carolina had a 
large proportion of Tories. In fact, it is stated that South 
Carolina did not lead but follow the American Eevolution."" 
It is therefore significant that the great majority of the Jews 
of the Colony were on the patriot side. 

On this subject it may be well to quote from the Sketch 
of Charleston, published by Dr. Shecut in 1819. "There 
can be no argument that goes more fully to illustrate the 
correct principles of our government than that of a reference 

to the Jews who have settled among us The Jews were 

the only settlers among those of the inhabitants of the new 
world whose religious principles differed from those of the 
inhabitants of the new. To shew the salutary effects of 
tolerance in points of religious faith, I will insert the fol- 
lowing appropriate observations for which I am indebted to a 

learned member of their society : ' When the War of 

the Eevolution commenced, all of this nation who were in 
South Carolina able to bear arms, zealously joined their 
country's martial ranks for the great but dubious contest. The 
prize to be acquired in the event of a successful issue, religious 
and political freedom, was great enough to induce the free 
offering of every patriotic exertion, and even of fortune and 
life in the undertaking. They, with the rest of their fellow 
citizens, shared in the privations and hardships of war, also 

"' " Documents connected with the History of South Carolina," 
edited by Weston, London, 1856, pp. 195-196. 

"' John Drayton, " Memoirs of the American Revolution," 
Charleston, 1821, Vol. 2, p. 89. 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 47 

with them share the rich blessings of peace and freedom, the 
reward of their former sufferings."" 

Some of the Jews naturally gave financial aid to the Col- 
ony, some supplied the patriots with provisions at a time when 
the credit of the Colonies was at its lowest. Without going 
into detail, we need but mention in this connection Mordecai 
Sheftall who sometimes appears to belong to South Carolina 
but whose career properly belongs to the Eevolution- 
ary history of Georgia, Meyer Moses ^ and Mordecai Myers. 
The latter figures in the correspondence of General Marion, 
of Col. Horry and other prominent leaders.^* 

In most of the other Colonies, we find that Jews rendered 
their most effectual service to the patriot cause as financiers. 
In the South, however, and particularly in South Carolina, 
we must look for their services chiefly on the field of battle.'" 

The most prominent Jewish patriot at the outbreak of the 
struggle was beyond a doubt Francis Salvador, concerning 
whose life and patriotic services a separate paper has been 
heretofore prepared by the present writer and published by 
this Society." 

The Jews along with their fellow citizens joined the various 

" J. L. E. Shecut, " Topographical, Historical and other 
Sketches of Charleston," Charleston, 1819, p. 30. 

-* Meyer Moses was the maternal grandfather of Isaac Harby. 
See Isaac Harby, in North American Review, Vol. XXIII, p. 72. 

" Robert Wilson Gibbes, " Documentary History of the Ameri- 
can Revolution," 1781-2, pp. 182-3. Also Vol. (1776-82), p. 246. 

Mordecai Mj'ers seems to have resided at Georgetown. His 
letters are dated from that place (supra). See also Heriot 
and Tucker's Letter to Marion, " Col. Lushington has only de- 
livered us Mordecai Myers' & Cohen's Accounts," etc. {supra). 

'° In the "War of Independence, numbers of Jews were en- 
rolled in the Army of the Revolution." Mayor Courtenay's 
Centennial Address, Charleston Year Book, 1883, p. 388. 

^^ Paper read in 1899. American Jewish Historical Society Pub- 
lications, No. 9, pp. 107-122. Prior to the appearance of this 
sketch, Salvador's career was entirely unknown to writers on 
American Jewish History. 



48 American Jewish Historical Society. 

militia organizations. One of the corps of volunteer infantry 
organized for the defence of Charleston is said to have been 
composed chiefly of Israelites.'^ In fact Dr. Fishell seems to 
intimate that it was organized by Jews." Owing to the de- 
struction of valuable records at the War Office at Washington 
in 1812, and in the Southern States during the Civil War, it 
is exceedingly difficult to get the names of members of this 
military body and information must be gathered indirectly 
from references rather than from records. 

Mr. Kohler has heretofore called attention to Mr. Worth- 
ington's address in 1824 on behalf of the emancipation of the 
Jews in Maryland.'* Speaking of the military achievements 
of the Jews during the Eevolution, Worthington says: 
" There were many valuable members, officers principally in 
the Eevolution, from the South chiefly who were nearly all 
cut off and destroyed early in the war. They were ever at 
their post and always foremost in hazardous enterprises. 
Col. Solomon Bush was a distinguished officer in the Amer- 
ican Eevolution, he died after the Eevolution of the wounds 
which he had received." ** 

With regard to the volunteer company mentioned, Mr. 
Worthington must have had a complete list of the names 
before him in 1824 for in the address, he states : " Here is 
another paper which contains the names of a corps of volun- 
teer infantry in Charleston, South Carolina, in February, 
1779. It was composed chiefly of Israelites residing in King 

»* Occident, Vol. XVI, p. 142. See also Herbert B. Adams, " A 
Sketch of Haym Salomon from an Unpublished MS. in the 
Papers of Jared Sparks," American Jewish Historical Society Pub- 
lications, No, 2, p. 6. 

^American Jewish Historical Society Publications, No. 2, p. 99. 
See also Historical Magazine, Series I, Vol. IV, pp. 52-3. 

^* American Jewish Historical Society Publications, No. 4, p. 96. 

"Speech of Col. J. W. D. Worthington, published with 
" Speeches on the Jew Bill," etc., by H. N. Brackenridge, 
Philadelphia, 1829, p. 115. 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 49 

Street and was commanded by Capt. Lushington and after- 
wards fought nnder General Moultrie at the Battle of Beau- 
fort," '* Solomon Etting of Baltimore writing in 1824 also 
makes reference to this body. 

One of the first persons to be killed during the hostilities 
about Charleston, was the child of Meyer Moses, whose house 
was also burnt." The Militia were forming themselves into 
volunteer uniform companies as early as 1775.'' A King 
Street Company is also mentioned'* and Capt. Lushington 
appears as a patriot officer between 1775 and 1781.*° He is 
often mentioned in Marion's correspondence and figures as an 
officeholder in Charleston subsequent to the Revolution." 

The importance of such a volunteer company amply ap- 
pears from an address of the Senate in 1782, which reads: 
" We reflect with pleasure on the steady resolution with 
which Charleston was defended by a small body of brave 
men against such a vast superiority of force and we gratefully 
acknowledge the meritorious conduct and important services 
of the officers and privates of the militia who stood forth in 
the hour of danger " *^ 

A few of the names of members of the King Street Com- 
pany have been discovered by express reference made to them. 

^ Ibid. 

" " South Carolina in the Revolutionary "War," by A Southron 
(William Gilmore Simms), Charleston, 1853, p. 121. 

'* Moultrie's " Memoirs of the American Revolution," 1802, Vol. I, 
p 57. 

^"Kingstree (sic) Company." Charleston Year Book, 1893, p. 
225. 

^ " Lieut. Capt. Charleston Militia." Journal Council of 
Safety, 22 Dec, 1775. Charleston Year Book, 1893, p. 232. Later 
on he appears as Col. R. Lushington. Gibbes' " Documentary 
History of the American Revolution," Vol. 1776-82, pp. 184, 245. 

*^ Charleston Year Book, 1881, p. 367. 

*" Moultrie's "Memoirs of the American Revolution," Vol. II, 
p. 314. 
4 



50 American Jewish Historical Society. 

Thus, in a letter to which Dr. Hollander has called attention 
written by Mr. Joshua I. Cohen to Jared Sparks, the writer 
says : " You will probably recollect a conversation I had with 
you many years ago during a visit to Cambridge, in which I 
mentioned to you that Judge !N'oah, of New York, was then 
engaged in gathering together the facts and memorials of the 
part which our people, the Israelites, took in the Eevolution- 
ary struggle. I mentioned to you a militia company that was 
formed in Charleston, South Carolina, composed almost ex- 
clusively of Israelites of which my uncle was a member and 
which behaved well during the war."** 

Mr. Kohler has heretofore also called attention to an arti- 
cle in the Occident which intimates that David N. Cardozo, 
Jacob I. Cohen and Isaiah Isaacs were members of the Com- 
pany." Jacob I. Cohen appears to have arrived in 1773. 
He served as a volunteer under Moultrie and Lincoln and 
throughout the entire campaign in the Carolinas. 

"David Nunez Cardozo was a native of New York, but 
resided in Charleston for over sixty years. He was a sub- 
altern officer in the Militia of South Carolina during the 
greater part of the revolution until made a prisoner of war 
in 1780. He was also attached to 'The Forlorn Hope' 
when the lines of Savannah were attacked by the combined 
forces of General Lincoln and Count D'Estaing." *' 

Isaac Harby writing in the beginning of the 19th century 
for the North American Review expressly states: "My 
maternal grandfather contributed pecuniary aid to South 

*'Dr. J. H. Hollander in American Jewish Historical Society 
Publications, No. 2, p. 5. Quite a few of the Jews who served in 
the Charleston Militia had come from other colonies during the 
war and did not originally belong to South Carolina. 

« lUd., No. 4, p. 96. Occident, Vol. XVI, p. 142. 

*' See inscription on his tombstone in Coming Street Burying 
Ground. 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 51 

Carolina and particularly to Charleston when besieged by 
the British. My father-in-law was a brave grenadier in the 
regular American Army and fought and bled for the liberty 
he lived to enjoy. Numerous incidents of patriotism are 
recorded of such Israelites.'^" 

The maternal grandfather referred to was Meyer Moses, 
the father-in-law was Samuel Mordecai. 

Manuel Mordecai Noah" and Isaac N. Cardozo appear 
likewise to have been patriot Jewish soldiers of Charleston." 

The names of eleven Jewish soldiers appear in the petition 
to General Lincoln to which reference will be made hereafter. 

The names of other Jewish patriots can also only be ascer- 
tained by scattered references. Thus, among those who took 
the oath of allegiance to Pennsylvania in 1782, we find the 
name of Abraham Seixas, " formerly an ofl&cer in the militia 
of Charlestown, South Carolina, lately arrived in this city." *' 

This gentleman was Lieut. Seixas, a gallant officer who is 
also mentioned in the Lee papers. He had the entire 
confidence of General Lee and other prominent officers of the 
South. He was sent both by and to General Lee from Charles- 
ton to Greorgia with military communications, an exceed- 
ingly hazardous task. In July 1776 Col. Mcintosh mentions 
sending Lieut. Abraham Seixas to General Lee." 

In Pulaski's regiment, mention is made of a French Jew, 
Major Benjamin Nones, who distinguished himself in 1779. 
The following testimonial written by Capt. Verdier in 
French is said to be still preserved by the family. It is dated 

" North American Review, Vol. XXIII, p. 73. 

*' Hon. Simon Wolf, " Mordecai Manuel Noah," Philadelphia, 1897. 

" Occident, Vol. XVI, p. 142. 

" Thompson Westcott, " Names of Persons who took the Oath of 
Allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania," 1777-89 (Philadelphia, 
1865), p. 23. 

'^New York Historical Society Publications. Vol. II of Lee Pa- 
pers, pp. 168, 171. 



52 American Jewish Historical Society. 

Charleston, December, 1779, and reads : " It is but just that 
I should render an account of the conduct of those who have 
most distinguished themselves for bravery in the Legion. 
I take advantage of the occasion and with much pleasure of 
my capacity as Captain of Volunteers attached to the suite 
of General Pulaski to certify that Benjamin Nones has 
served as a volunteer in my Company during the campaign 
of this year and at the siege of Savannah, in Georgia, and his 
behavior under fire in all the bloody actions we fought, have 
been marked by the bravery and courage which a military 
man is expected to show for the liberties of his country and 
which acts of said Nones gained in his favor, the esteem of 
General Pulaski as well as that of the officers who witnessed 
his daring conduct." " 

It is stated that Major Nones subsequently also served on 
the staff of both La Payette and Washington."* In a letter 
written by him long afterward, to which Dr. Adler has here- 
tofore called attention, he writes : " I have not been so 
proud or so prejudiced as to renounce the cause for which I 
have fought as an American throughout the whole of the 
Revolutionary War in the militia of Charleston, and in Polaf- 
keys legion. I fought in almost every action which took 
place in Carolina and in the disasterous affair of Savannah 
shared the hardships of that sanguinary day." "** Subse- 
quently Major Nones became the President of the Phila- 
delphia Congregation." 

All efforts by the patriots to save Charleston proved un- 
availing. When it became evident that further resistance 
would be hopeless and while negotiations for surrender were 
in progress, a petition was presented by the citizens of 

" Markens, " The Hebrews in America," New York, 1888, p. 127. 

**Markens, "The Hebrews in America," p. 126. 

•"Dr. Cyrus Adler, "A Political Document of the Year 1800," 
American Jewish Historical Society Publications, No. 1, p. 112. 

"Rev. Dr. Sabato Morals, "The Congregation Mikveh Israel," 
Ibid., p. 19. 



The Jews of South Carolina — Hiihner. 53 

Charleston to General Lincoln, dated May 10, 1780, reciting 
that "your petitioners understanding it is an indisputable 
proposition that they can derive no advantage by a persever- 
ance in resistance, with every thing that is dear to them at 
stake, they think it their indispensable duty in this perilous 
situation of affairs to request your Honor will send out a 
flag in the name of the people intimating their acquiescence 
in the terms propoimded," 

This petition has about 300 signatures. 

Among the Jewish signers are Js. Da Costa, Jr., Joseph 

his 

De Palacios, Gershon Cohen, Joseph e^cv Myers, Markes 

mark 

Lazarus, Solomon Aaron, Philip Minis, David Sarzedas, 

Meyer Moses, Joseph M. , Abraham Moses, Jacob Henry, 

Joseph De Palacios, Joseph +° Solomons, Zadok Salomo, 

mark 

and the following pronouncedly Jewish names : Jacob Jacobs, 
Jacob Valk, Mark Morris, Joseph Phillips and Philip Hart. 

Another petition to the same effect by divers Country Mili- 
tia bears among others the signature of the following : Samuel 
Polak, Meyer Salomons, J. Cohen, Samuel Mordecai, Jacob 
Moses, Juda Abrahams, Moses Cohen, Philip Moses, Abra- 
ham Cohen, Barnard Moses, Jun*", and Philip Jacob Cohen,°' 

The city capitulated in 1780 and South Carolina was 
overrun by the British. During the period of the siege a 
Miss Samuells is frequently mentioned socially "" but none of 
the references enable us to ascertain whether she was a Jewess. 

'''The original MS. petitions and signatures are in the pos- 
session of the Lenox Library, New York, Lincoln Papers, Emmet 
Collection. Transcripts made by Mr. V. Palsits were pub- 
lished with other interesting material in Charleston Year 
Book, 1897, pp. 394-408. The writer acknowledges the courtesy 
of Mr. Eames and Mr. Palsits, of the Lenox Library, for the 
perusal of the original MSS. 

"Letters of Eliza Wilkinson during the Invasion and Pos- 
session of Charleston by the British, etc., arranged by Caro- 
line Gilman, New York, 1839, pp. 22, 32, 46, 50, 54, 56, 64, 66, 68, 78, 
etc. 



54 American Jewish Historical Society. 

The siege had been anxiously watched by Jewish patriot3 
in other colonies. Thus, several letters written by W. Crog- 
han from Charleston during the siege, to Michael Gratz 
give a minute description of the enemy's preparations, of 
the siege and finally of the capitulation. From all of them 
it appears that Mr. Gratz was deeply interested and from one 
of the letters, it seems that a member of the Gratz family 
was also in South Carolina, at the time, for Croghan writes : 
"I am imcertain where your brother is, otherwise should 
write." All of Croghan's letters conclude with compliments 
for Mrs. and Miss Gratz." 

It may be interesting to note also that the distinguished 
General Gadsden, while confined in prison, after the capture 
of Charleston by the British and subsequently in prison at 
St. Augustine, learnt Hebrew. His son states that the Gen- 
eral read the old testament in the original and received 
praise from Ezra Stiles for his proficiency."' It is more 
than likely that the general's teachers were Jewish fellow 
prisoners. 

Some of the patriot soldiers appear frequently in Georgia 
as well as South Carolina. Thus, Mordecai Sheftall was 
Deputy Commissary General of Issues for South Carolina 
and Georgia. He certainly belonged to Charleston in 1750, 
but in reality his career belongs to the history of Georgia." 

'" Robert Wilson Gibbes, " Documentary History of the Amer- 
ican Revolution," Vol. (1776-82) 1857, pp. 129, 133, 134. These 
letters are both interesting and valuable. 

■^Bancroft MS. at Lenox Library, Vol. I (Misc. Notes), p. 
481. The item is apparently in the handwriting of James 
Gadsden. 

"Journal of Congress, October 28, 1778. Also Dr. Herbert Fried- 
enwald's " Jews in the Journals of the Continental Congress," 
American Jewish Historical Society Publications, No. 1, p. 86. 
Also article by the present writer in Jewish Comment, Nov. 9 and 
16, 1900. 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 55 

To that colony also belong the records of Philip Minis and 
David Sarzedas though they also figure in South Carolina/" 

Besides those already mentioned, some decidedly Jewish 
names appear in the ranks of South Carolina. Thus, a 
Joseph Goodman is mentioned as quartermaster." 

In April, 1783, General Greene writing to Col. Laurens 
on military affairs, adds : " I did not know until this morn- 
ing that you had Major Moses' Command with you." "^ 

Eeuben Etting, another Jewish patriot, was so unfortu- 
nate as to be captured by the British at Charleston. It is 
related that when the British learned he was a Jew, they 
gave him nought but pork. He became so reduced by cruelty 
and starvation that though exchanged as soon as his condi- 
tion was learned at headquarters, he died soon afterward.*^ 

Under date May 18, 1781, Lieut.-Col. Moore wrote to 
General Greene from the " prison ship Torbay, Charles Town 
Harbor," enclosing a threatening letter which the British 
commandant circulated among the prisoners. " Should it fall 
to the lot of all or any of us," he writes, "to be made vic- 
tims agreeable to the menaces therein contained, we have only 
to regret that our blood cannot be disposed of more to the 
advancement of the glorious cause to which we have adhered. 
A separate roll of our names attends this letter." In the 
roll of militia prisoners on board said ship, accompanying 
this letter, appear the following decidedly Jewish names, 
Samuel Ash, Jacob Cohen, Jacob Henry, Daniel Jacobs and 

°° " The Jews in Georgia in the American Revolution," by the 
present writer, read before the Society in 1901. 

" Charleston Year Book, 1893, p. 230. 

«^ Gibbes, " Documentary History of the American Revolution," 
(1776-82), p. 150. 

«'Dr. J. Solis Cohen in Occident, Vol. XVI, p. 364. See also 
American Jewish Historical Society Publications, No. 2, p. 66. 



56 American Jewish Historical Society. 

Philip Meyer." Jacob Henry I believe to be the same per- 
son who, admittedly a Jew, subsequently became a member of 
the legislature of North Carolina. 

Markens in his book on " Hebrews in America " mentions 
Jacob de la Motta and Jacob De Leon of Charleston as aides 
on DeKalb's staff, stating that when DeKalb fell at the 
battle of Camden, these gentlemen carried him from the 
field.*° This statement, however, I have not been able to 
verify. 

After the capitulation of Charleston, several Jews left at 
once for Philadelphia, the refuge of patriotic Americans in 
that day. Isaac Da Costa, who had been the Minister of the 
Charleston Congregation, and his son as well, are found there 
in 1783." The elder Da Costa appears to have been proposed 
as Chairman of the meeting which decided to erect a regular 
synagogue in that city." 

Some of the others came to Philadelphia toward the close 
of the war. Among these are Mordecai and Shef tall Sheftall, 
who however belong rather to Georgia, Benjamin Nones, 
Isaac Cardozo, and Abraham Seixas. All of these gentlemen 
were among the founders of the Philadelphia congregation.'' 

Mr. Worthington, in the address referred to, laid stress on 
the fact that many of the Jewish soldiers of the South served 
as officers. This statement is confirmed in part by what has 

"MS. copies of both letter and roll are in possession of the 
Lenox Library, Emmet Collection, No. 15670. American War, 
1776-82, Vol. 2, Leslie Papers. See also Gibbes, " Documentary- 
History of the American Revolution," 1781-2, pp. 74-5. 

^^ Markens, " The Hebrews in America," p. 126. 

«^ H. S. Morals, " The Jews of Philadelphia." Markens, " The He- 
brews of America," p. 337. 

" Dr. Sabato Morals, " The Congregation Mikveh Israel," Ameri- 
can Jewish Historical Society Puhlications, No. 1, p. 12. Also 
Markens, " The Hebrews of America," p. 337. 

«' H. S. Morals, " The Jews of Philadelphia." 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 57 

already been said and also by the pension rolls for South 
Carolina under the Acts of 1818 and 1832. These lists were 
published in 1835. In the year mentioned, few Revolu- 
tionary soldiers were still alive, most of these being over 80 
years of age. In the South Carolina contingent, even at 
that date a few Jewish names may be found. They are David 
Sarzedas, Lieutenant, Marks Lazarus, Sergeant, David N. 
Cardozo, Sergeant, and S. Cardozo. Two Jewish widows of 
Revolutionary soldiers appear as late as 1841. They are Mrs. 
Judith Abrahams and Mrs. Rachel Lazarus."' 

In the manuscript collections of the Lenox Library, the 
writer also found a little memorandum book apparently 
written about 1838. From this it apears, that pensions were 
procured for the following widows of Revolutionary soldiers: 

Sarah Cardosa, age 73, married 1784; Judith Abrahams, 
age 75, married 1779; Rachel Lasarus, age 76, married 1776; 
Mrs. Gershom Cohen (N. York) ; Rebecca Cohen. 

Some of these names appear several times in the MSS. 
The name of Cicelia Solomon, age 71, married 1785, is 
crossed out, but legible, while the only Revolutionary soldier 
in this memorandum is " Dd. Sarzadas, 78." '" 

Shortly after the Revolution, there came to South Carolina, 
Joseph Salvador, the famous merchant who owned immense 
tracts of land in America. Part of his estate in Abbeville 
County, South Carolina, was referred to as " The Jews 
Land." " He died December 30, 1786," and is buried in the 

""Report from the Secretary of War in obedience to Resolu- 
tions of the Senate of 5th and 30th of June, 1834 &c., in relation 
to the Pension establishment of the U. S.;" "Washington, 1835. 
Vol. 3, S. C, pp. 14, 35. Also " Letter from the Secretary of War;" 
Washington, 1820, p. 596. Also "A Census of Pensioners, &c.;" 
Washington, 1841, p. 146. 

'» This memorandum book belongs to the Ford Collection 
and seems to have escaped notice heretofore. 

'"■ See p. 43, note 13. 

" The Charleston Morning Post and Daily Advertiser, December 
30, 1786. See p. 43, note 13. 



58 American Jewish Historical Society. 

old Da Costa burying ground at Charleston. From his will, 
a copy of which is in the writer's possession, appears the 
interesting fact that in 1786, Charleston contained two Jew- 
ish congregations. By a codicil made in that year, the testa- 
tor leaves 100£ to Joseph Da Costa " to pay the same to the 
Portuguese congregation of the City of Charleston known 
by the name "Beth Elohim TJnvey Shallom or the House 
of the Lord and Mansion of Peace," and there is a separate 
bequest of 20£ " to Mr. Gershon Cohen upon trust to pay the 
same to the German Jewish congregation in the City of 
Charleston known by the name of the Beth Elohim or the 
House of the Lord." " 

The writer's original intention was to give a sketch of the 
Jews of South Carolina down to 1800. The field, however, 
is so broad, that no attempt will be made at present to 
include the period subsequent to the Eevolution. It is only 
fair to mention, however, that in 1790, the Charleston 
congregation joined with those of Philadelphia, Few York, 
and Eichmond in an address to Washington. This address 
was signed by Manuel Josephson of the New York congre- 
gation and a reply was in due time received.'* It seems, how- 
ever, that the Charleston congregation sent a separate letter 
of congratulation," and it is but reasonable to suppose that 
this too was acknowledged by Washington. This latter reply 
is in all likelihood the letter said to have been destroyed in 
the fire of 1838." 

A copy of this latter address has never been published by 

" See p. 43, note 13. 

'*The Address and Reply have been published by this So- 
ciety: " Correspondence between Washing-ton and Jewish Citi- 
zens," Lewis Abrahams in American Jewish Historical Society 
Publications, No. 3, pp. 92-3. 

" Nathaniel Levin, " The Congregation Beth Elohim," Charles- 
ton Year Book, 1883, p. 388. The Charleston Address was 
written by Mr. Jacob Cohen, President of the Congregation. 

^' Ibid. See also Markens, " The Hebrews in America," p. 53. 



The Jews of South Ccvrolina — Huhner, 59 

the Society although it is published in full in the Charles- 
ton Year Book for 1883." 

" The address above referred to reads as follows : 

Charleston, S. C, July 15th, 1790. 
To the President of the United States: 

Sir: — We presume to divert your attention for a few moments 
from the more important matters which require it, in order to 
express the sincere desire and lively gratitude we experience, in 
common with our fellow citizens, in your election to and accept- 
ance of the exalted office of President of the United States. As 
soon as the Federal Government was instituted, the eyes of your 
fellow-citizens throughout the States were drawn towards you; 
their unanimous voices at once proclaimed you the most worthy 
to preside over it, and their anxious wishes awaited your consent 
to assume your proper station. The spontaneous effusions of 
heartfelt satisfaction which burst forth, the unstudied plaudits 
which universally and publicly resounded on the occasion, seemed 
to us to obviate the necessity of any particular address. But as 
these have been presented to you from different classes and sects 
of our fellow-citizens, as additional attestations of your eminent 
deserts, and their well assured prospects of increasing happiness 
from your wise and virtuous administration, we are desirous even 
thus late not- to appear deficient in this respect, especially as 
every day which has intervened has tended to realize what we so 
fondly anticipated. Various, extensive and invaluable are the 
benefits which your fellow-citizens have derived from the glorious 
revolution which, und^r Providence, you have been the principal 
instrument in effecting. To them it has secured the natural and 
inalienable rights of human nature— all the requisite privileges 
and immunities of freedom, and has placed within their reach 
peace, plenty and the other blessings of good government. To 
the equal participation and enjoyment of all these, it has raised 
us from the state of political degradation and grievous oppres- 
sion to which partial, narrow, and illiberal policy and intolerant 
bigotry has reduced us in almost every other part of the world. 
Peculiar and extraordinary reason have we, therefore, to be 
attached to the free and generous Constitution of our respective 
States, and to be indebted to you, whose heroic deeds have con- 
tributed so much to their preservation and establishment. In 
a degree commensurate to its wise and enlarged plan, does the 
general government attract our regard, framed on principles 



60 American Jewish Historical Society. 

In 1794, the new synagogue of Charleston was consecrated. 
The exercises were attended by Governor Moultrie, the civil 
and military authorities/' 

consentaneous to those of the Constitution of the different States, 
and calculated by its energy to embrace and harmonize their 
various interests, combine their scattered powers, cement their 
union, and prolong their duration. They have already felt their 
salutary effects. The great exploits you performed while you 
commanded in chief the armies of the United States, during the 
arduous and perilous conflicts which purchased their freedom; 
the toils, fatigues and dangers you surmounted during that 
glorious warfare, entitled you to honorable exemption from pub- 
lic services, and to spend the remainder of your valuable life 
under the shade of your well earned laurels in sage retirement 
and dignified repose to which your truly magnanimous disposi- 
tion invited, and for the pure and rational enjoyment of which 
your conscious virtue fitted you. But the infancy of the Federal 
Government particularly required your fostering care, and in- 
voked the aid of your virtues to animate its friends and reconcile 
its adversaries. The genuine authority which you alone 
possessed, which has its source in virtue, and is built on the 
sure basis of merited esteem and implicit veneration, and which 
once recognized, has more irresistible sway than arbitrary power 
itself, was requisite to launch the Federal Government on its new 
and untried voyage into the ocean, clear of rocks and quick sands, 
and with favorable gales. Your consummate prudence and firm- 
ness were necessary to trace out to your successors the courses 
they should steer, your example to enlighten, excite and 
strengthen them. "When laudable ambition had nothing more to 
tempt you with, when fame had wearied itself in trumpeting 
your renown; yielding to the disinterested impulses of uniform 
protestations, and the urgent invocations of your fellow-citizens, 
you quitted your peaceful and pleasurable mansion to involve 
yourself in the cares and fatigues which now throng on you; and 
you have shown yourself as eminently qualified to preside at the 
helm of government, as at the head of armies. While historians 
of this and every age shall vie with each other in doing justice 
to your character, and in adorning their pages with the splendor 
of your endowments, and of your patriotic and noble achieve- 
ments; and while they cull and combine the various good and 
shining qualities of the Pagan and modern heroes, to display 



The Jews of South Carolina — Huhner. 61 

The presence of Moultrie on that occasion was indeed a 
tribute to the patriotism of the Jews of South Carolina. The 
Eevolutionary record of several of the members of the Congre- 
gation was doubtless familiar to him ; and, during the war, he 
had been in a position to appreciate that the Jews possessed 
the most unselfish form of patriotism which induces men to 
risk their lives for their country on the field of battle. 

your character, we, and our posterity, will not cease to chronicle 
and commemorate you, with Moses, Joshua, Othniel, Gideon, 
Samuel, David, Maccabeus and other holy men of old, who were 
raised up by God, for the deliverance of our nation. His people, 
from their oppression. May the Great Being, our Universal Lord, 
continue propitious to you and to the United States; perfect 
and give increase and duration of prosperity to the great empire 
which He has made you so instrumental in producing. May He 
grant you health to preside over the same, until He shall after 
length of days, call you to eternal felicity, which will be the 
reward of your virtues in the next, as lasting glory must be in 
this world. I have the honor to be. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JACOB COHEN, 
President Congregation, 

" Beth Elohim." 
" Nathaniel Levin, " The Congregation " Beth Elohim," in 
Charleston Year Book, 1883. 



25 12C5 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




